SQL Server System Stored Procedures
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SQL Server System Stored Procedures
Overview
SQL Server comes equipped with system stored procedures that are essential for both administration and development purposes. These procedures, housed in the Master database and identifiable by their `sp_` prefix, are globally accessible from any application without using their fully qualified names. This is why naming local procedures with the `sp_` prefix is discouraged. You can view their properties through the Query Analyzer.
Categories of System Stored Procedures
Here’s a breakdown of the different categories of system stored procedures and their uses:
1. Active Directory Procedures:
- Register SQL Server instances in Microsoft Windows Active Directory.
2. Catalog Procedures:
- Implement ODBC data dictionary functions to protect applications from changes in system tables.
3. Cursor Procedures:
- Support cursor variable functionality.
4. Database Maintenance Plan Procedures:
- Set up key tasks for ensuring database performance.
5. Distributed Queries Procedures:
- Manage and implement distributed queries.
6. Full-Text Search Procedures:
- Work with full-text indexes.
7. Log Shipping Procedures:
- Configure and manage log shipping efficiently.
8. OLE Automation Procedures:
- Enable the use of OLE automation objects in Transact-SQL batches.
9. Replication Procedures:
- Facilitate replication management.
10. Security Procedures:
- Provide tools for security management.
11. SQL Mail Procedures:
- Execute email operations from within SQL Server.
12. SQL Profiler Procedures:
- Monitor performance and activity via SQL Profiler.
13. SQL Server Agent Procedures:
- Manage scheduled and event-driven activities.
14. System Procedures:
- General maintenance tasks for SQL Server.
15. Web Assistant Procedures:
- Support functions of the Web Assistant.
16. XML Procedures:
- Manage Extensible Markup Language (XML) texts.
17. General Extended Procedures:
- Provide an interface to external programs for various tasks.
Creating and Using System Stored Procedures
You can develop custom system stored procedures by following specific guidelines. Although modifying existing ones is possible, it is advisable to give them unique names to maintain the integrity of the system versions.
Dynamic Queries
Dynamic queries allow for runtime creation and execution of SQL strings. Typically, these are built using text parameters and executed as `EXEC (@createdstring)`. However, these query plans are not cached, and any local variables created are lost after execution. By using `sp_executesql` instead of `EXEC`, you can store the query plan and handle local variables as INPUT or OUTPUT parameters.
Autoexec Procedures
You can create autostart procedures using the following method: `sp_procoption procedurename, startup, true`.
Extended Stored Procedures
Extended stored procedures, identified by the `xp_` prefix, are created in a DLL using C++ and stored in the Master database. To call them, you must use the fully qualified `Master..xp_procname` format. Register these DLLs with SQL Server using:
```sql
sp_addextendedproc [@functname=] procedure, [@dllname=] dll
```
Resources and Support
- Sybase Database Management: Offers foundational information on Sybase database systems.
- Accessing Stored Procedures: Provides insights on how to access stored procedures effectively.
For expert assistance in custom database software and free consultations, reach out to us at (973) 635-0080 or via email at paladn.com. Our consultants in the Metro NY/NJ area are specialized in database design and development.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: SQL Server System Stored Procedures.
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